 Owner, personal stylist, jewelry and accessories consultant Lynsay Spratlen of Lexie Steveinson Accessories and Personal Styling Q&A with Online Jewelry Boutique Owner Lynsay Spratlen Even after starting a career in corporate America right after college, online jewelry boutique owner Lynsay Spratlen knew she wanted to start her own business. With stints in communications, IT, and project management Spratlen gained valuable experience and moved in on the fashion world working as a jewelry consultant for Nordstrom and as a personal stylist with online company Stitch Fix. The ability to balance her full time jobs while working part time to start the launch of a creative career paid off and Spratlen learned a lot about the industry while putting in four years of labor before launching Lexie Steveinson Accessories and Personal Styling "Stylish, sophisticated statement jewelry" in January 2016. Today Spratlen handles everything from inventory planning and prep, jewelry photography, merchandising and order processing. It is a thankless job, but somebody has to do it and make you look fly in the process. Lynsay took some time out to answer All the Fly Questions below... *Shop this post by clicking the photos and receive 25% off the entire site if you use the code word "FAB"  ALL THE FLY QUESTIONS WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT SO FAR? This year, I established my first consignment deals with a couple Cleveland-area boutiques. Additionally, I just threw my first successful popup shop in Tremont, OH the end of August; hosted by Sweetlime Alterations. Excited to book more events and opportunities such as these! HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS? I use a combination of sites to promote my jewelry line, such as Instagram to promote new items and shout out customers who have purchased a piece from my line. I also use my Facebook Business Page quite a bit to promote upcoming events where I'll be showing my line, as well as address incoming questions from the community regarding my business and the services I offer. WHAT'S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF OWNING A BUSINESS? I am the sole individual that is accountable for whether I succeed or fail (and) you do not make money unless you are out here hustling and promoting your business. Starting a business can be thankless at times, but the work I do keeps me positive. I enjoy giving back by helping others to build self-confidence, enhance their wardrobes and promote self-love.
WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE? My business analytics tell me women ages 25-45 years in age. However, I truly believe my line offers affordable and sophisticated jewelry and accessories that are perfect for ladies and gentlemen of all ages. I hope to extend my target audience to include men's accessories by the end of this year. WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT FROM YOUR COMPETITION? I am a one-stop-shop for smart, sophisticated statement jewelry and accessories. I pair my line with a number of additional services such as, personal styling, personal shopping and image consulting. Also, I am available for special events; fashion photo shoots, runway shows and vendor fairs. Additionally, I am able to sell my items at prices that are half of what my competitors may charge for jewelry and additional services. I cater my services specifically to each and every customers' needs. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I love to travel- cruises are my hobby! I also adore the arts and live entertainment. I am classically trained in Ballet and Pointe (dancing on the toes). I have been dancing for the past 26 years. I still attend dance classes weekly to perfect my craft and stay in shape.
WHO OR WHAT HAS INSPIRED YOU? There are a number of other jewelry designers and stylists I admire and follow their work closely; Sollis Jewellery, jewelry designer 'Nspyrd by Nay' and local fashion stylist Marchele Davis of 'Elements of Style' to name a few. WHAT DOES “FLY” MEAN TO YOU? "Fly" is the epitome of all things cool, chic and trendy. To be "fly" one must be fashion forward; choosing colors, patterns, or materials that are bold, edgy and new. Also, its not always what you wear that makes you "fly", but it is the way you carry yourself. Presentation is every thing to me when I think of my definition of "fly". WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS? A few of my favorite fashion houses and designers include Chanel, Gucci, Betsy Johnson and fashion icon Iris Apfel.  DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? I consider my personal style to be bohemian-gaudy-chic meets corporate America...different, I know! I absolutely love bold colors and I will try almost any pattern. I wear structured garments that give the illusion of height through creating long lines or accentuating my curves. IS THERE A TV SHOW, MOVIE OR VIDEO THAT YOU REALLY LOVE THE FASHION? I recently started watching the HBO show by Issa Rae, "Insecure". I love all the outfits Issa wears; definitely has a gaudy-chic feel with all those bold patterns and tribal prints. I also love her best friend, Molly's look too! Tailored, feminine perfection! WHAT WAS YOUR FAVE OUTFIT GROWING UP? My favorite outfit was this vintage, Marilyn Monroe inspired, empire waist dress. It was crimson red and had a matching bolero jacket. I found it when I was 13 years old, at a vintage clothing store in Cleveland Heights. Sadly, I wore it to pieces.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OFF IN YOUR INDUSTRY? Starting a business is not always glamorous and can be incredibly difficult for an entrepreneur. When you first start your business it can feel isolating--there will be countless late nights and early mornings of research, planning, and preparation. So, it is extremely important to find support groups of other people who are looking to do the same thing as you. I would also suggest seeking out mentors, locally if you can. You should target people at different career stages, because there are valuable insights to learn from anyone who has been in the game longer than you. WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? In the next six months, I would like to attend more vendor fairs and local events to promote my line. I would also like to collaborate with more store owners to host popup shops. Additionally, I am planning my annual Lexie Steveinson Jewelry and Fashion Show. Lastly, I hope to launch my men's accessory line the end of this year. WHERE CAN WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WORK? Email: | Lynsay@LexieSteveinson.com Website: www.lexiesteveinson.com Facebook: LexieSteveinsonAccessories Instagram: LexieSteveinson
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A guide to deciphering bags for men...
A Guide to Men's Bags
Listen, I'm tired of seeing grown ass men carrying the same tired book bag they have had since high school or college! I am tired! And if see one more flimsy nylon, faded logo drawstring knapsack straining across another guy's back I will scream... Now I know as a woman that handbags have been marketed to me and there has been the stigma of a man carrying a bag, or a murse, but times are changing and y'all need something to carry your stuff in just like we do. Step it up! I have come up with the ultimate guide to several different styles of men's bags with several shoppable options below: *click the photos to shop
The Messenger Bag
Flat or vertical in construction- a messenger bag slings across the shoulder for easy travel and it fits a laptop, iPad, folders and whatever else you have to carry around. Stick to clean lines and avoid bright colors to keep it laid back and classic.
The Gym Bag
Perfect for men commuting from the gym to the office who want to work out before their business day starts. Look for a sleek design with compartments that will keep your shoes seperate from your lunch!
The Backpack
Now, I never said no to book bags and backpacks- but why not upgrade to more sophisticated, sturdier options? Depending on what you will use the bag for, go with breathable, wipeable fabrics, leather or suede finishes and outside compartments to up the style factor.
The Briefcase
The modern version of the briefcase is not all sharp rectangular corners and hard shells like the ones from back in the day. The newer ones are fresher takes and made of soft leather or canvas and has interior pockets for organizing your things.
The Duffle Bag/Weekender
Travel in style with a duffle bag/weekender: business trips, a weekend get away, your girl's house... this bag is large enough for at least three outfits, toiletries and a pair of shoes. Swing over your shoulder or carry in your hands- this bag is perfect for travel!
The Dopp Kit
Equivalent to a woman's makeup bag and just as important, a dopp kit holds a man's grooming essentials and is compact enough to keep everything organized. It doesn't matter if you shave, have a Rick Ross beard, rockin' a baldy or a fro, braids or dreadlocs- whatever- this bag is the perfect addition to any man's sink.
The Garment Bag
Groom, best man, job interview, court date... whatever you use a suit for doesn't matter as long as it is in a garment bag! Keep it in the back of your closet for your expensive suits and other formal attire and pull it out when it is time to travel for business. This keeps everything from becoming a wrinkled mess in transition.
The Waist Bag
I know this is a little risque', but the waist bag/pouch is perfect for hands free traveling whether you are a tourist or just strolling through your own city. It allows easy access to cell phone, wallet, documents and anything else you may need on the go. You can go as simple or as trendy as you want with this one!
The Camera Bag
Last, but not least this bag is for all my photographer friends out there. You no longer have to carry a bulky awkward camera bag with you to shoots. Purchase a modern compact camera bag that includes padding for your camera, compartments for the battery, memory cards, lenses and any other extras. Have fun with a print or pattern or go with an inconspicuous black or gray model.
Ladies if you are over seeing the man in your life with that same TIRED bag that he has been carrying since high school- look out for him and purchase a new bag that fits his style, needs and lifestyle. But men don't hesitate to upgrade yourself! And if you need further help, don't hesitate to reach out and receive styling advice by emailing me.
*This post contains affiliate links and All the Fly Things may receive a portion of the revenue if you click on a link and make a purchase.  Columbus, Ohio fashion designer and wardrobe consultant Elyse Jones Q&A with Fashion Designer Elyse Jones I started following fashion designer Elyse Jones on Instagram because of her outfit choices- I loved the way she made use of color, prints, and silhouettes and seeing how she pieced together thrifted looks with her wardrobe to make an outfit completely hers. It wasn't until later that I found out that Jones was a stylist and it all made sense. Her personal style is eclectic and edgy with a touch of ladylike glam and her choice of style icons reflect that- Solange, Janelle Monae, Soko, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. The fashion designer, seamstress and wardrobe consultant was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and has been styling for two years and designing for close to a year. Jones started out as a consultant, but got into fashion design at the request of her clients. After trying it and loving it, she hasn't looked back since. Read on to find out more about Elyse as she answers All the Fly Questions ...
ALL THE FLY QUESTIONS: WHO, IF ANYBODY, HAS REALLY HELPED YOU ALONG THE WAY? My mommy and my best friend, anything I have ever needed across the board they have been there. They (both) saw things in me that I didn't see in myself. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? What inspires me the most is being able to give woman the look that they never thought they could achieve. WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO STYLE? I would love to style and design for Janelle Monae, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott
WHAT DOES “FLY” MEAN TO YOU? Fly: unique, cool, amazing, awesome FAVE DESIGNER? Betsy Johnson, CoCo Chanel, Daphne Guinness and Louis Vuitton WHOSE CLOSET WOULD YOU LIKE TO RAID? Michelle Obama
WHERE DO YOU SHOP? I design my own stuff of course lol, but everywhere that sells plus size clothes- Curvaceous Boutique, Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant and consignment shops. WHAT ARE YOUR GO TO PIECES? Leggings and a t-shirt lol WHAT WAS YOUR FAVE OUTFIT GROWING UP? A black and white plaid Mickey Mouse jumper with (my) pigtails.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OFF IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Keep pushing, don't let what you see on social media or what people say to you or about you deter you from your dream. WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? IDK... every time I make a "plan" for what I feel should be the next phase of my life, God does something completely different. His plan always supersedes what I had in mind... WHERE CAN WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WORK? Facebook: Cutting EDJ Instagram: cuttingedjstylist Online boutique: Cutting EDJ LLC  Fashion blogger Lady Silk Liebster Award nominee I've Been Nominated for the Liebster Blog Award! I have been blogging for about three years now, but I'm honestly just now starting to do it "correctly", so I am honored and excited to have been nominated for this award by fellow blogger Queen C of Lavender Luvah! I can't lie, I had to read up on the Liebster Award to see what it was about because I had no clue. I discovered that it is an internet only award given to bloggers by other bloggers. It's sort of like a chain letter that acts as a way to recognize, highlight, promote and discover new blogs. Some people accept it, some don't, but it opens up your blog to new audiences and allows people to find out a little more about you and your blog so why not? The nominee answers questions asked by the person that nominated them and then includes 10 random facts about themselves. Once that is done, the nominee then nominates another group of bloggers and so on and so on. Q&A from Queen C: Why did you start blogging? I started blogging for a few reasons:
What is your goal as a blogger? My goal as a blogger is to inform and educate my reader on All the Fly Things. I want to solidify myself as a fashion expert and a style leader and I try to do so through my blog posts by giving fashion and style tips, writing fun fashion features, attending and reporting on local fashion events, discussing fashion industry news, interviewing cool people, and my own FlyGirl Chronicles adventures in fashion. Is blogging your hobby or a job? Nah, I work way too hard for this to be a hobby! How do you promote your blog? I mainly use social media, I am a part of lots of blogger and fashion and style groups on Facebook and I use word of mouth while I am out and about. I have a few other tactics that I use including traditional marketing strategies: business cards, postcards, events. Do you make money off your blog ? If yes how do you do it? Yes, by collaborating with independent brands and businesses and hopefully off of affiliate marketing really soon. I also host an account for models through my Model Portal. It's for models who are looking for a professional online portfolio to store their photos, booking information, stats, etc. without having to do any extra work. Have you ever won other blog awards? I never even knew that they had blog awards! What is your advice for new and upcoming bloggers?
Do you blog on YouTube ? If yes,how many subscribers do you have? No I don't, but I micro-blog on Instagram and I have a personal blog: The FlyGirl Chronicles where I talk about things that don't involve fashion and style. I started it a few months ago and enjoy the freedom that comes with not being inside just one niche. I can write about other things that move me: my weird favorite movies, my favorite street lit books and old school southern rappers I love and other random things.  These are a few of my favorite things! *in my Julie Andrews voice 10 Random Facts About Me:
*Below are my nominees and questions for them: Tavkay Beauty AriesGallery TheLibraryRadio Curvy, Confident & Nervous as Hell The Fashion Wordsmith Forever Young, Black and Married Mascara, Martinis and Motherhood Courtney Covers Cleveland Awesome Fat Girl Rules One Hot Mom Queen Thrifty Diary of a Broke Fashionista Enanny Link Yeah I'm Famous FoodLoveTog The I is Never Silent Sportz Street Heat News Official Haute Food Adore Color Darkerberrie.com Q&A 1. How long have you been blogging? 2. Why did you start your blog? 3. How often do you post to your blog? 4. How do you promote your blog? 5. Do you monetize your blog? If so how? 6. What has been the hardest thing about blogging? 7. What has been the most rewarding thing about blogging? 8. What is your advice for up and coming bloggers? 9. What apps or plugins do you use to enhance your blog? 10. How did you choose your domain and hosting site and are you happy with them? To my readers- what other blogs do you follow? Leave a link to their blogs in the comments below! 
The Duster Is The Jacket For Fall!
Let's talk about the duster- they are usually lightweight, knee length and have a slouchier cut and fit than a trench coat- but most importantly they add an extra dose of style to your outfits from the most basic to the extraordinarily glam. Originally used by cowboys to protect their clothes, this fall dusters are in all the stores in a variety of fabrics, styles, colors and textures and easy enough for anybody to wear. I discovered this earlier in the year when I needed some sort of jacket to go over the champagne gold party dress I wore to the Cleveland International Film Festival staff party, and then again when I needed to zhoosh up my plain long sleeve tee and jeans combo...
Major Trend Alert
The duster is a major fall trend and is about the only new purchase you will need for the season, if you don't already have one. I have a few ideas on how to style these wardrobe changers below... 
Shopping with the Girls: Throw on a sleeveless duster in contrasting color over a black and white pair of leggings and a long sleeve tee. You can switch the shoes to flats if the platform mules are too much to walk around in, accessorize with chunky gold jewelry and voila'! #Squadgoals
Fashion Show with the Bestie Fall is the perfect time to attend a fashion show in your city! Dress up a sexy Little Black Dress (LBD) with hyper playful accessories and top it off with an elegantly belted black duster.
Casual Date Night with Bae Tired of Netflix&Chill'n with bae and actually want to enjoy the movie theater again? Dress up a cold shoulder body suit and jeans with a sexy platform shoe, rose gold accessories and tie it all up with a blush toned duster. You can also tie the ribbon on the side instead of the front if you choose.
High School Football Game No doubt, you will be the flyest aunt in the bleachers when you rock your old school rap tee, a denim skirt and Rihanna's Puma Creepers underneath a sophisticated floral duster. Add a Moschino waist pouch and a thick gold rope necklace for a real deal "ghetto fabulous" feel.
Day to night, sexy to casual, the duster can help elevate and stretch your entire wardrobe. How do you style your duster? I have a few picks below from Amazon at different price ranges to help you shop..
*Please note that I am using affiliate links that allow me to receive a small amount of change if you decide to click and shop. Thanks! |
About the BlogThe main goal of this blog is to connect my readers to everything dope, fresh and stylish- All the Fly Things. Archives
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